Cancer Screening 1 Flashcards
What are the major cancer screening and dx points we talked about?
- Lumps and abn growths
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Change in bowel and bladder habits
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Pain, which may be specific or not
What does the skin cancer screening mnemonic “ABCDE” stand for?
Asymmetrical Borders Color Diameter Evolving over time
ABCDE mnemonic
What should you look for with borders?
Irregular (coast of Maine sign)
ABCDE mnemonic
What about color would be concerning?
Variegated
ABCDE mnemonic
What is the diameter threshold where you would be concerned?
Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
What are the 3 categories of screening approaches to cancer screening?
- inspection/palpation
- blood tests and cytology
- imaging
For inspection and palpation, what sorts of things will be done?
- regular physical exam
- skin inspection
- buccal cavity and throat inspection
- palpation
With buccal cavity and throat inspection, what are you looking for?
- abn coloration
- growths
- sores
- lumps
What is often palpated as part of cancer screening?
- Thyroid
- Testicles
- Breast
- Prostate
- Lymph nodes
What are some of the major blood tests/cytology used in cancer screening?
- CBC
- PSA levels
- PAP test
- Fecal occult blood test
- Urine cytology
CBC =
Complete blood cell counts
CBC is checking to see this
If there are too many or too few of each type
PSA =
Prostate
Specific
Antigen
What does a high PSA level indicate?
Prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancers
PSA blood test
PAP =
Papanicolaou
What factors increase risk for cervical cancer?
- Frequent intercourse
- Multiple partners
- STDs, esp HPB and chlamydia
- Smoking
- Stress
- Oral Contraceptives
What staging system is used for the PAP test?
Bethesda System (7 stages)
With Bethesda staging, is a high or low number better?
LOW
If a PAP test comes back with metaplasia or dysplasia, what will be done?
Colposcopy
What does the fecal occult blood test do?
Tests fecal sample for bleeding anywhere along gastrointestinal tract
Urine cytology tests reveal cancer cells from:
- Kidney
- Ureters
- Bladder
- Urethra
What are the common imaging techniques done for cancer screening?
- Standard radiographs
- Mammography
- Endoscopy
In addition to an obvious mass, what may be seen on a standard chest radiograph that would indicate cancer?
- Widening of the mediastinum
- Atelectasis
- Consolidation
- Pleural effusion
Why is widening of the mediastinum problematic?
Suggestive of spread to lymph nodes there
What is atelectasis?
Collapse of the alveoli
Why is atelectasis something that would be seen with a cancerous process?
Collapse of alveoli secondary to airway blockage (from tumor)
Consolidation occurs 2˚ to this
Fluid infiltration into airways and alveoli
Consolidation will look like
Spongy mass
Why might a cancer pt have pleural effusion?
triggered by cancer cell irritation of pleural membranes
What is mammography?
- Low power radiographic imaging of the breast
- Done horizontally, vertically, and on the bias
- Can use to image both cancerous and benign growths
Mammography and radiation
1/10 radiation of an average chest x-ray
What types of procedures are done that fall under the endoscopy category?
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
Endoscopy requires this type of prep
- laxatives
- nothing but clear liquids for 1-3 days prior to exam
These are often elevated in multiple myeloma
Serum immunoglobulins
_____ _______ are associated with specific forms of cancer
Tumor markers
